{"id":8201,"date":"2019-09-24T08:00:29","date_gmt":"2019-09-24T15:00:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/bcparksblog\/?p=8201"},"modified":"2022-06-30T15:17:13","modified_gmt":"2022-06-30T22:17:13","slug":"afloat-with-the-shuswap-trailrider-adaptive-adventure-society","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/engage.gov.bc.ca\/bcparksblog\/2019\/09\/24\/afloat-with-the-shuswap-trailrider-adaptive-adventure-society\/","title":{"rendered":"Afloat with the Shuswap TrailRider Adaptive Adventure Society"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n Home<\/a>\n \n Afloat with the Shuswap TrailRider Adaptive Adventure Society\n <\/span>\n
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Afloat with the Shuswap TrailRider Adaptive Adventure Society<\/h1>\n
Community Engagement<\/a>, <\/span>Volunteer<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n
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For many British Columbians, getting out into nature is as simple as strolling around a local park, driving a short distance out of town for a day hike, or planning a weekend of camping with friends. For those who experience physical barriers to mobility, adventuring in the great outdoors can be more challenging. In the Thompson-Okanagan region, BC Parks has partnered with the Shuswap TrailRider Adaptive Adventure Society (STAAS)<\/a> to empower those with mobility challenges to experience nature in innovative and exhilarating ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a BC Parks Community Liaison Officer, I\u2019ve worked with STAAS as they expand their fleet of adaptive recreation equipment. Through the BC Parks License Plate Program<\/a> all net proceeds from the sale and renewals of BC Parks plates are re-invested back into provincial parks. These funds support diverse projects related to Conservation, Community Engagement and Education, and Indigenous Relations. The BC Parks Licence Plate Project has been able to support STAAS to purchase adaptive recreation equipment including: TrailRiders, an adaptive stand-up paddleboard, and most recently, new adaptive beach equipment \u2013 all of which STAAS provides free of charge for users in the sunny Shuswap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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STAAS, a small but mighty volunteer organization, invited BC Parks to tag along on a few field trips this summer to demonstrate the new equipment in action in the forest, on the beach and in the water. These field trips opened my eyes to the incredible impact that access to adaptive equipment \u2013 and in turn, access to nature \u2013 can have for people with mobility challenges. On our first outing to Ts\u00fatswecw Park (Roderick Haig-Brown), STAAS president Debra McDonald (pictured below) described her motivation for volunteering so much time to the the cause: the feeling of freedom, peace and increased quality of life that comes along with being in nature \u2013 feelings she wants people of all abilities to be able to experience through the use of this new equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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For example, this WaterWheels floating wheelchair provides a safe, comfortable way for wheelchair users to beat the sweltering heat of the Shuswap summers by getting into the water and floating with family and friends. A portable access mat rolls out over the sand or gravel to create a non-slip path making it possible for people using wheelchairs (floating or not!), walkers, canes and strollers to access the beach and water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

STAAS also provides a pair of TrailRiders to anyone needing a little extra help getting out onto the Shuswap trails. These chairs have a single burly wheel and are powered by two to six \u201csherpas\u201d or \u201cporters\u201d, who guide the equipment over all kinds of terrain. These things can handle some pretty rugged trails!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Gallant family is planning to borrow the TrailRider for an upcoming camping trip their son Tyler will take with his class \u2013 an experience that wouldn\u2019t have been possible without adaptive equipment. On a sunny summer afternoon in Ts\u00fatswecw Park, the family took the brand new TrailRider out for a test drive. Tyler was able to get out of his power wheelchair for the day and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of this lush cedar forest and the meandering Adams River along with friends and family. Park rangers Britt and Jenna taught us about local flora and fauna (including poison ivy!) and Tyler participated in an interactive nature game matching paint chips to the stunning array of colours found in nature. Even when the early afternoon temperatures hit the low 30s, Tyler\u2019s sherpas (i.e. his parents) kept smiling, easily maneuvering the TrailRider and making plans for the upcoming class camping trip. To see more of Tyler\u2019s Ts\u00fatswecw adventure, check out this video<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Whether you live in the Shuswap or are planning your next trip to the area, the Shuswap TrailRider Adaptive Adventure Society<\/a> can get you set up with a variety of adaptive equipment to outfit your adventure. If you\u2019re interested in trying out a TrailRider and you\u2019re not in the Shuswap, there may be opportunities near you! TrailRiders and other adaptive outdoor equipment is popping up in provincial parks across the province, including  Strathcona Park<\/a> and Mount Robson Park<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Learn More:<\/p>\n\n\n\n